Sales of works of art, T-shirts and catalogues, as well as cash donations, raised more than $150,000 compared with $175,000 last year. "We are very happy with these results given the heavy rain we had all weekend," says Annick Laberge, P&WC's Manager, Public Affairs.

Alain M. Bellemare, President of P&WC, adds that with this year's sales, donations to shelters since the creation of Les Femmeuses in 1986 will soon reach the magic one-million-dollar mark. "This remarkable success has been made possible by the generosity and support of the public, the quality of artwork displayed by the artists, the relevance of the cause, and the excellent work of our employees and volunteers."

Funds raised are distributed equally among the artists who sell artwork and seven shelters for women and children who are victims of family violence: Carrefour pour Elle in Longueuil; La Cle sur la porte in Saint-Hyacinthe; La Maison Simonne Monet-Chartrand in Chambly; La Re-Source in Chateauguay; La Maison Hina in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu; La Maison La Source in Sorel-Tracy; and Le Pavillon Marguerite de Champlain in Saint-Hubert.

The donated funds make it possible for these establishments to provide services such as 24/7 telephone assistance, individual and group meetings, and legal aid.

The 19th edition of Les Femmeuses art exhibition and sale featured 144 works by well-known and emerging women artists in the visual arts. This year, 20 new artists joined the ranks of the exhibitors, bringing the total number of Femmeuses to 89. In all, 113 works and some 40 prints were sold over the weekend.

About Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC)

P&WC, based in Longueuil, Quebec is a world leader in aviation engines powering business, general aviation and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also offers advanced engines for industrial applications. P&WC's operations and service network span the globe. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), a high-technology company based in Hartford, Connecticut.